Fifty-two people became British citizens during a June 20 ceremony at Government House, where they received congratulations from Governor Daniel Pruce and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.
“Today you have taken a significant step,” Mr. Pruce said. “Along with receiving your certificates of citizenship, you have just taken the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.”
He added that the oath and pledge are “not just words.”
“They are a formal promise, a commitment that you have made as you embrace your new nationality,” he said.
Historical links
He also spoke about historical links between the Virgin Islands and the UK.
“The success that both the Virgin Islands and United Kingdom enjoy in the global economy is founded upon many shared factors, including our common law legal systems and our respect for the rule of law,” he said. “But our connections go much further than that through our history, through our people, and through our culture.”
Ms. O’Flaherty-Maduro praised the new citizens.
“Your dedication, hard work and commitment have brought you to this moment,” she said. “We recognise the challenges you may have faced and the contributions you have made along the way.”
The new British citizens are listed below.
New British citizens
Tyshanna Shaly-Ann Andrew
Gemma Nathalia McFarlane-Barrett
Shannice Shannia Theresa Benn
Barrington George Bess
Erisha Kimisha Bobb
Jessita Bryan
Kervin Hutton Carter
Paulette Marcella Chalwell
Latha Chennupati
Johniese Sharon Cohen
Jacqueline Alecia Racquel Daley
Hemant Hemanchal Doodnauth
Maria Althia Doyley
Dionne Gayle A. Boreland-Fearon
Simone Iolanie Foster
Suzette Nicola Frett
Bernadette Therese Williams-George
Beverly Sandra Purcell-George
Mellony Agatha K. Henry-George
Merley Mae Hewitt-Grant
Kelisha Kelicia Huggins
Otis Everton Jacob
Rosalie Beverley Layne
Sherry-Ann Blondina Lavia-Lennon
Koreen Joanne Chester-Marsan
Carlos Risdale Maynard
Collette Malverna McCurdy
Noida Lee Meade
Nathaniel Leopold McKenzie
Mandie Nerissa McKenzie
Wade Melchizedek McKenzie
Mary Hosanna Mitchell
Lachmi Narainasami
Lorenzo Knight Ortiz
Jerome Augustin Pereira
Nola Gretel Peters
Kettia Pierre
Abeana N. Baptiste-Phillip
Paul Adrian Robinson
Cecilyn Edbera Sampson
Sonette Saint-Lot
Keana Beyonce Stela Smart
Kevin Anthony Smith
Lawrenda S. Francois-Smith
Yvonnette Indeira Stevens
Tania T. Wong Sorrentino
Kazim Javid Thomas
Krishna Veni Valluripalli
Sintia L. Gonzalez Vanterpool
Marsha Sybil Vanterpool
Latoya Themaine Winter
Tsao Han Zhang